What had promised to be a tough away-day test for Derby County proved to be just that, but they emerged with another valuable point.

This goalless draw at Millwall stretched the Rams' unbeaten run in the League to 10 matches and neither side could complain to much about the outcome of what was a fiercely-competitive contest.

Some will see it as a missed opportunity for Derby, but The Den is a tough place to go as Millwall have beaten Sheffield United, Leeds United and Middlesbrough at home, and they held leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers to a draw.

However, Derby are a tough nut to crack themselves. Their consistency and resilience continues to serve them well.

Only two defeats in 22 in the Championship and 10 clean sheets in the last 13 league games highlights this, as does their remarkable record on the road. They have not lost an away league game since September.

The point moved Derby onto 54 although Aston Villa's last-gasp win against Sheffield United means there is now only a one-point cushion between the Rams and Villa, who have climbed to third.

But there is much football to be played and every point is valuable - take the point, and move on to the next game.

The one change to the Derby team that drew with Bristol City saw Andreas Weimann come in for Johnny Russell, who is joining MLS club Sporting Kansas City.

There was a different look to the substitutes' bench as Kelle Roos replaced the injured Jonathan Mitchell, who has been back up keeper to Scott Carson this season, and midfielder Joe Ledley returned to the squad after missing five matches due to a back problem.

There was no Chris Martin as uncertainty continued to surround the striker's future at Derby ahead of the transfer window closing at 11pm tonight.

There was a rare place in the 18 for Ikechi Anya, whose last appearance for the first-team was in the Carabao Cup tie at Barnsley in September.

Derby County's Ikechi Anya after his late goal was ruled out at Millwall

Millwall boss Neil Harris opted for seven changes to the side that drew with Rochdale in the FA Cup at the weekend. His players made an energetic start, but the first sight of goal fell to Derby.

Matej Vydra pounced on a mistake by former Rams youth player James Meredith. Vydra found David Nugent and he fed Tom Lawrence, who stepped inside onto his right foot but rather than shoot he set up George Thorne and his tame shot was gathered by Jordan Archer.

Millwall responded by forcing a save from Carson, who parried a firm snap-shot from Tom Elliott after Lee Gregory had battled for the ball with Curtis Davies.

The home side kept Derby's defenders busy by delivering balls into the box. Craig Forsyth did enough to put off Elliott as the frontman looked to get on the end of centre from Shane Ferguson, but Derby carried plenty of menace on the break.

Thorne threaded a pass to Weimann on the right and his testing centre was pushed out by Archer at full stretch. The ball dropped to Vydra and his goal-bound effort deflected off Shaun Hutchinson and behind for a corner.

Derby's front four of Vydra, Weimann, Lawrence and Nugent looked bright. Their movement troubled Millwall although one or two situations cried out for a touch more quality or better decision making.

The Rams looked relatively comfortable at this stage, but they had a let off mid-way through the first half.

Errors by Forsyth and then Davies gifted possession to the home side. The ball was whipped into Derby's area and Huddlestone caught Gregory with a high foot. 'Penalty' screamed the home fans, referee Oliver Langford disagreed. He waved away the appeals and Gregory needed treatment before he could continue.

A penalty could easily have been awarded, just as one could easily have been awarded to Derby in the previous game against Bristol City. They say such decisions even themselves out.

Stung by being denied a spot kick, Millwall finished the half strongly. They pressed, they were lively and full of endeavour, but Derby held firm and Carson had made only one save of note in the opening 45 minutes.

Richard Keogh and Davies got their head to Millwall crosses in the opening minutes of the second half before Andre Wisdom eased the early pressure with a storming surge from his own half. The right back laid the ball off to Lawrence, who allowed himself to be crowded out.

There are times when Lawrence takes too many touches when one followed by a shot, cross or pass would offer a greater threat to opponents.

Wisdom was now pushing forward and supplementing Derby's attacks although it took a crucial piece of defending by Curtis to prevent the Rams being punished by a Millwall counter attack.

Derby County's Curtis Davies applauds the fans at the end of the Sky Bet Championship match with Millwall at The Den, London.

Shaun Williams' long pass released Gregory through the middle and the striker had his sights firmly on goal until Davies recovered and put the ball behind for corner. This was headed down by Jake Cooper and Elliott, on the turn, fired his shot high over.

The type of game Derby had expected was now in full ebb and flow, and the home crowd was fully involved as they roared with each challenge and foray forward.

Derby moved to inject fresh legs in the forward department. Cameron Jerome and Sam Winnall came on for Nugent and Vydra, and the two substitutes soon combined to fashion a half chance for Jerome but a deflection took the force from his shot and Archer gathered with ease.

Who would make the breakthrough? Would there be a breakthrough?

Millwall substitute Fred Onyedinma weaved his way into Derby's area before Jed Wallace's low drive was kept out by Carson and then the Rams made a third and final change, sending on Anya for Lawrence in the hope of snatching a late win.

And Anya thought he had done just that when he latched onto Jerome's clever pass and steered the ball past Archer only for celebrations to be cut short by a flag for offside. It looked a very close call.

There was still time for Millwall to go close to a winning goal, Cooper's shot was blocked in a crowded six-yard box and claims for a penalty filled the air again.